It’s time for the latest Marcus Smart injury update. So, is Marcus Smart playing?
The 22-9 Boston Celtics listed starting point guard Smart as questionable. They’ll face the 15-16 Indiana Pacers tonight, and they’ll avoid having to play any back-to-backs until the new year. Smart’s absence would carry significant consequences for the NBA betting markets, and bettors looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets.
Marcus Smart Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
Smart is questionable with a non-COVID illness. It’s unclear if this is the same illness that was affecting him last Friday, but the Celtics listed him as questionable with a non-COVID illness for that matchup as well. Smart played through whatever bug he had then, and head coach Joe Mazzulla left him in for 30 minutes.
Although Smart’s performance on Friday suggests it’s unlikely that he’ll sit, the Celtics aren’t facing the most menacing of opponents. The Indiana Pacers have a losing record and were projected to be a lottery team before the season started. Although they have exceeded expectations thus far, the Celtics may not need Smart to win tonight’s game.
After the is ‘Marcus Smart playing’ question is answered, and if no, who benefits?
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Smart probably won’t sit. But if he does, Derrick White will slide into the starting lineup and see some extra run. Malcolm Brogdon should get a boost off the bench, especially in the assist department, and Payton Pritchard will play meaningful minutes. Pritchard played over a quarter in Smart’s last absence.
Smart’s absence would also benefit the Indiana Pacers on offense. The veteran guard won Defensive Player of the Year last season and is a solid perimeter defender. If he sits, expect Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield to get in a bit more scoring.
Pacers-Celtics DFS and NBA Betting Tip based on latest Marcus Smart injury update
Bettors shouldn’t approach Wednesday’s Pacers-Celtics game as if Smart will sit. Although the books haven’t opened up Smart’s player prop markets, they are still listing the Celtics as 10-point favorites for tonight’s contest. The Pacers are coming off a deflating home loss to the New York Knicks last night and must now travel to TD Garden.
White and Brogdon would become solid value options in DFS if Smart sits. Pritchard would be a high-risk, low-floor bargain-bin asset who could see a ton of run if the Celtics get out to an early lead. That said, DFS players shouldn’t count on either of those situations occurring.
Few markets should move if Smart gets announced as active. Tyrese Haliburton‘s scoring props could tick down, but the under isn’t worth backing with his total already set below his season average of 19.5 — especially since he racked up point totals of 22 and 30 against the Celtics with the Pacers last year.
